Rubber Group defends Laos, Cambodia ops The Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) has affirmed that it took its responsibility for its investment in Cambodia and Laos very seriously and ensured it was used for the sustainable development of the two countries. The statement was made in response to an accusation by Global Witness, a London-based environmental watchdog of deforestation activities in Laos and Cambodia. At a press conference held in HCM City on June 13, the VRG said that its rubber plantations in Laos and Cambodia were in the framework of economic, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation between the Vietnamese Government and the two countries. The Vietnamese firms in general, and the rubber companies in particular, had strictly adhered to the Cambodia and Lao laws while respecting local customs and traditions and protecting the environment. The group had followed plans approved by Lao and Cambodian authorities, the statement affirmed, adding that authorities and local residents often supervised the group’s activities. The group also ensured and respected the interests of local people. It has so far recruited more than 20,000 local people in Cambodia, and 10,000 in Laos, Besides investing in more than 3,000 houses for local workers, the group also focuses on the construction of water plants, power systems, hospitals, schools and roads. The VRG currently has 21 projects in Cambodia and eightThe Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) has affirmed that it took its responsibility for its investment in Cambodia and Laos very seriously and ensured it was used for the sustainable development of the two countries. The statement was made in response to an accusation by Global Witness, a London-based environmental watchdog of deforestation activities in Laos and Cambodia. At a press conference held in HCM City on June 13, the VRG said that its rubber plantations in Laos and Cambodia were in the framework of economic, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation between the Vietnamese Government and the two countries. The Vietnamese firms in general, and the rubber companies in particular, had strictly adhered to the Cambodia and Lao laws while respecting local customs and traditions and protecting the environment. The group had followed plans approved by Lao and Cambodian authorities, the statement affirmed, adding that authorities and local residents often supervised the group’s activities. The group also ensured and respected the interests of local people. It has so far recruited more than 20,000 local people in Cambodia, and 10,000 in Laos, Besides investing in more than 3,000 houses for local workers, the group also focuses on the construction of water plants, power systems, hospitals, schools and roads. The VRG currently has 21 projects in Cambodia and eight in Laos.-VNA